Upon entering this Manhattan apartment, decorated by Timothy Whealon, guests are greeted by a theatrical mural of flowering vines.

Boy would they have a lot to say! Florence de Dampierre’s aptly named new book, “Walls” takes the reader on a pictorial tour of some of the most exquisite walls throughout history that you have ever seen. If you think walls are merely for framing artwork, hanging mirrors or supporting light fixtures, think again. These walls certainly defy the laws of conventional decor! Although walls are often the most underrated elements of a space (how many times have you pondered for days over that vase or rug and hastily picked a paint color out of a stack of paint chips?), this fascinating read makes abundantly clear that walls can be just as important a statement piece as any other feature of the room, if you give them the opportunity to speak up

Beautiful and extraordinary designs. I personally fancy the Sandemar Manor in Sweden the most; my second favorite is the “Spiegelsaal” in Amalienburg. It is a shame that those designs usually don’t get done anymore these days – or if so, then they are usually reproductions, since noone knows how to plan and actually produce such beautiful things these days. I know that taste has changed and all that, but to me these are truly ageless designs.

Holzi,
Agreed that historic finishes still rule with their aged patina.
Some contemporary finishes provided by Fromental and Gracie actually feel like some of the originals.
Thank you for commenting with your favorites!